Free Level 3 Criminology Course in Bishop Auckland. Classes run at Bishop Auckland College, three days a week, full-time over one year. The course draws on psychology, law, and sociology to explore how the criminal justice system works. It runs alongside a Diploma in Policing, giving you a broader picture of policing and public services. Entry requires a minimum of four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, or a BTEC or NCFE Level 2 at Merit or above. Life experience is considered for mature applicants, and an interview is part of the application process.
Who this course is for
An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology.
The WJEC Level 3 Applied Certificate & Diploma in Criminology are qualifications with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies other public sector-related studies. This course is studied alongside a Diploma in Policing which provides an additional insight into the work of Police Officers and Staff within the criminal justice sector. Criminology is an Applied General qualification which means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. It has been designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus learning for both 16-19 year-old learners as well as adult learners through applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. In year one of study, students will work towards the Level 3 Applied Certificate in Criminology moving onto the Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology in their second year at College. The Diploma in Policing is studied alongside Criminology and the combined programme of study provides the opportunity for learners to gain sufficient UCAS points to progress to university or other Higher Level study upon completion.
Entry requirements
A minimum of four GCSE�s 9-4 (A-C), or a BTEC/NCFE Level 2 at Merit or above � Life experience will also be taken into account when considering applications from mature students. A genuine interest in the subject is essential � and an interview will take place.
What you will learn
You'll explore the causes and patterns of crime using criminological theory.
You'll examine how the criminal justice system responds to offending.
You'll study key concepts from psychology, law, and sociology as they apply to crime.
You'll analyse real cases and scenarios linked to the criminal justice system.
You'll develop an understanding of social and probation work contexts.
You'll build knowledge relevant to policing and public services through the linked Diploma in Policing.
How you will learn
This is a classroom-based criminology qualification taught across three days a week. Learning is applied, meaning you study knowledge and skills in contexts linked to the criminal justice system. Assessment is through the WJEC Applied Certificate structure, which includes a mix of controlled assessment tasks and externally set units. You may be required to attend additional days if you have not yet achieved GCSE grades A to C in relevant subjects.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bishop Auckland College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Police officer or police staff, working within the criminal justice system
Probation services officer, supporting offender management and rehabilitation
Youth justice worker, working with young people in the justice system
Community support worker, helping people involved with social services
Prison officer, maintaining safety and supporting rehabilitation in custody
Crime analyst, researching patterns and data to support law enforcement
Social work assistant, supporting qualified social workers in statutory settings
What you could study next
Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology (WJEC) - the natural next step after the Certificate, studied in year two at the college and worth additional UCAS points.
Degree in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or Sociology - this qualification is designed as an Applied General qualification to support university entry.
Degree in Policing or Forensic Science - combined with the Diploma in Policing studied alongside this course, you may have enough UCAS points to apply directly.
